Labrador leaps again thanks to pioneering 3D-technology wrists and feet
A family dog has been given the ability to run and play again, after a leading team of vets gave him pioneering new 3D-technology wrists and feet.
Floyd, a three-year-old male Labrador, developed a deformity of his forelimbs as a puppy with his wrists and feet turning severely outwards, meaning he found it difficult to walk.
Although Floyd managed without discomfort for a couple of years, he soon required pain killers to manage his condition, with his mobility progressively become more impaired.
Owners Greta White and James Walker, who live in Norwich, took Floyd to their local vets practice, who recommended that Floyd be taken to Grove Veterinary Hospital in Fakenham.
Here, one of the UK’s leading teams of animal orthopaedic surgeons conducted CT scans of Floyd’s front legs and feet to see if they could identify the problem. They determined that he was suffering from a forelimb deformity - known as carpal valgus and caused by a developmental asymmetric growth of the radius and ulna - resulting in his paws being turned outwards.
To treat Floyd, the team joined forces with Bill Oxley at Vet3D to plan the surgical correction of Floyd’s wrists. Using the CT scans, they digitally planned how Floyd’s bones could be precisely cut and realigned, then created bespoke state-of-the-art 3D-printed guides to perform the surgical correction.
3D printed models before and after
The experienced orthopaedic team at Grove, led by European and RCVS recognised specialist surgeon James Tattersall, then performed the complex surgery on each of Floyd’s front legs in turn, with a four-week interval between. Using the 3D printed cutting and reduction guides, the bones were carefully realigned and stabilised with internal plates and screws.
Immediately following the first surgery, Floyd was brighter and more comfortable. Within days, he was able to start walking on all limbs. Over three months, he continued to recover smoothly and is now running around comfortably on his matching pair of new legs.
Floyd before and after surgery
Specialist veterinary orthopaedic surgeon James Tattersall said:
“Floyd’s leg deformity was challenging. However, the use of this pioneering new 3D-printed technology has revolutionised the way we now treat limb deformities. It’s significantly enhanced the accuracy of this complicated surgery and dramatically improved the outcome. It is so rewarding to see a happy patient following such a life-changing procedure.”
Owners Greta and James said:
“A big thank you to James and to all the fantastic team at Grove Veterinary Hospital. Thank you for giving our Floyd he best chance of having a wonderful active life and for having taken care of him when he was feeling poorly and scared. We are all forever grateful to you. Floyd is happier and more mischievous than ever!”
Grove Veterinary Hospital is a dedicated orthopaedic referrals practice for small animals. Located in the North Norfolk market town Fakenham the team accepts cases from across the whole of East Anglia. Their team of specialist led surgeons are experienced in managing a wide range of orthopaedic conditions. With the availability of dedicated surgical facilities, equipment, advanced CT imaging and highly motivated nursing team they can provide the best possible standards of care for every patient that they treat.